10 people have been killed and 15 injured after they were hit by a rental van, driven along the sidewalk in Toronto for more than 2km

The incident began at about 1.30pm at a busy intersection in the city’s north

The majority of victims are yet to be identified

The driver, 25-year-old Alek Manassian, is in custody after being arrested in a dramatic confrontation with a police officer

Police said the actions “definitely looked deliberate” but they don’t know what motivation was behind it

Police said all lines of inquiry remain open but there is no suggestion based on current information that there is any link to national security

Authorities have urged witnesses to contact police with any information

The Canadian prime minister, Justin Trudeau, expressed sympathy for the victims and their families, and praised first responders. “We are monitoring this situation closely, and will continue working with our law enforcement partners around the country to ensure the safety and security of all Canadians.”

The Canadian prime minister, Justin Trudeau, has issued the following statement:

It was with great sadness that I heard about the tragic and senseless attack that took place in Toronto this afternoon. On behalf of all Canadians, I offer my heartfelt condolences to the loved ones of those who were killed, and my thoughts for a fast and full recovery to those injured.

I thank the first responders at the scene who managed this extremely difficult situation with courage and professionalism. They faced danger without hesitation, and their efforts no doubt saved lives and prevented further injuries.

We should all feel safe walking in our cities and communities. We are monitoring this situation closely, and will continue working with our law enforcement partners around the country to ensure the safety and security of all Canadians.

The French president, Emmanuel Macron, the Mexican president, Enrique Peña Nieto, and former Canadian PM Stephen Harper are among those who have expressed condolences to Canada and the people of Toronto.

Awful news out of Toronto today, I’m shocked and saddened to learn of such a senseless and hateful loss of innocent lives. My prayers are with the families of the victims and all affected by this tragedy.

On behalf of the Costa Rican people I extend our deepest condolences to Canada and its Government,for the tragic incident in Toronto this morning.Our thougts are with the families of the victims,specially those who are suffering the loss of a loved one @JustinTrudeau@CanadianPM

The Toronto Star has published an editorial, praising the city’s residents and authorities for their responses to the tragic event.

Police “stuck to the facts”, and the public “by and large also refused to indulge in finger-pointing or blame-throwing”, it said. There was no over-reaction, in particular by the arresting officer.

This confrontation could easily have ended in yet another death, and it must have taken remarkable restraint to avoid shooting in the heat of such a charged moment. The driver is alive to face justice and, just as important for the public good, to give his own explanation of why he inflicted this horror.

All this speaks very well of the city we call home. We cannot prevent all violence in our midst; there will always be individuals who lash out for personal or political reasons and take innocent life. But we can do something about how we react collectively when we come under attack.

It would have been all too easy for things to have turned very ugly very quickly in the wake of Monday’s attack.

A quick summary of that press conference, where we heard from the police chief, Mark Saunders, the premier, Kathleen Wynne, the minister of public safety, Ralph Goodale, and the Toronto mayor, John Tory.

The death toll has now risen to 10, with 15 people injured after the man - now named as 25-year-old Alek Menassian – drove off the road and into a number of pedestrians over the course of several kilometres at about 1.30pm.

The majority of victims have not yet been identified.

While the actions “definitely look deliberate” police have not identified any motivation. There is nothing to link the act with any national security situation and the city is safe, they said.

Police are calling for witnesses to contact them using a dedicated hotline or web portal.